One of Oprah’s favorite things over Christmas was a now sold out Gratitude Jar. īy now you might have been hearing a lot about gratitude and how it’s the secret to happiness. The difference between the two is gratitude. But there’s no reason a Debbie Downer can’t become a Positive Patty. You might think those positive Pattys are just wired differently. Those are the people we love to be around. She points out that if your flight hadn’t be delayed you would have missed that gorgeous sunset. You’re exhausted and grumpy and this person tells you to look out the window. Your flight is delayed and you’re stuck in travel misery. She makes you feel great about yourself and even when things aren’t super, she always finds a way to make lemonade out of lemons. You love her, but at the end of every chat, you feel completely drained.Īnd then there’s that friend that just seems to have it all together. You know that friend or family member who just never has anything nice to say? Nothing in her life is ever going right. For more context, listen to episode 13 of the Previously Perfect Podcast wtih Erika Ames. So if you’ve been writing in your gratitude journal everyday for the last three years wondering why you’re not any happier, please know it’s not you it’s me. Yes, gratitude can make you happier, but it’s not always that simple. Reflecting on this article three years later, it’s clear to me that I made a mistake by offering no nuance. From Negative Nancy to Positive Patty | How gratitude will make you happier

Negative nancy but positive